BRIGHT PROSPECTS

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 161, 28 September 1927, Page 11

BRIGHT PROSPECTS

CRICKET IN AUCKLAND A.C.A.’S ANNUAL MEETING SOUND FINANCIAL POSITION Enthusiasm was the keynote to last night's annual meeting of the Auckland Cricket Association. Although the business was completed in Icjss than a couple of hours, a wide range of subjects formed the subject of profitable discussion, and under the able chairmanship of Mr. F. Earl, K.C., the meeting proved a most successful one. The great impetus given to the game in Auckland last year by the engagement of E. R. Bov/ley, the Sussex player-coach, and the Auckland team’s victory in the Plunket Shield, were freely emphasised as the turning of the tide in bringing the game back to popular favour. Ways and means of further popularising the game were enthusiastically discussed, and Mr. E. E. Nalder, chairman of last year’s Management Committee, stated that in addition to Bowley, the association would have the services this season of Langridge, the young Sussex pro., whose engagement had been secured on most advantageous terms, the Sussex Club paying his passage to New Zealand. MORE PLAYING AREAS The need for a. wider distribution of playing areas and the improvement of the existing grounds was emphasised by Messrs. N. C. Snedden and Carlton Hay. The sympathetic consideration given to this question by the Mayor and the City Council was the subject of an appreciative motion, and the need for an additional area to cater for the Epsom and Mount Eden districts was emphasised. The rules of the association have been revised and brought, up to date, on the lines of the New South Wales Association. Representation on the Management Committee will continue to be as before —direct representatives being appointed from the clubs—a proposal to have the Management Committee elected by the annual meeting not having met with the approval of the majority of the clubs. Special mention was made of the passing of the Daylight Saving Bill, and the boon it would confer on cricket generally. Brief discussion took place on a proposal to play one day senior and second grade matches, in view of the increased playing time available. Considerable difference of opinion was apparent on the subject, which will be discussed later by the new Management Committee. Visits will be received this season by Canterbury and Otago, while a match against the Australians in the new year will be one of the features of the representative season. BETTER THAN IT LOOKS In reviewing the balance sheet* the chairman said the association had started the year with a debit of £6O 8s Bd, and had finished with a debit of £45 16s 4d. This did not look a good result, but considering the whole of the expenses of the Southern tour had been met, and that £125 had been paid to New Zealand Cricket, Limited, the financial operations were better than they had been before. The legay of £4OO left to the association by Sir Henry Brett had come at a most opportune time. There was an excess of assets over liabilities of £SO-4 3s 6d, a position the association had never been in before. The report and balance sheet were adopted. The following officers were elected: Patrons, Sir James Coates and Mr. N. T. Williams; president, Mr. F. Earl, K.C.; vice-presidents, Dr. H. C. Bennett, Dr. A. McGregor Grant, Messrs. G. T. Bayly, G. F. Francis, C. W. Garrard, Carlton Hay, H. Hayward; S. Hesketh, R. B. Lusk, E« E. Nalder, A, N. Snedden; management committee. Messrs. E. C. Beale (Eden). G. .Jackson (North Shore), R. W. Low (Parnell), H. Horspool i Grafton). J.. H, Miller (Y.M.C.A.), W. J. Smeeton (University), N. C. Snedden (Ponsonby) J. W. Bennett (secondary schools), I) V. Moore (primary schools), and Messrs. Nalder, Hay and Lusk (vicepresidents) ; lion, secretary, Mr. N. H E. Hockin; lion, treasurer, Mr. J. H Watts; life members, Messrs. Carl tor Play and F. J. Ohlson; hon. auditor Mr. P. R. Fraser. A vote of thanks was accorded Mr E. C. Beale for the work he had done during the past season, especially ir connection with the revision of the rules.